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So you are about to buy a new scooter or perhaps bought one already and before embarking on your first journey, you’re wondering how safe these things actually are? Let’s get into it.

Should you were a helmet/paddings

Should you? Yes, you should for obvious logical reasons, but you will look like one of the biggest dorks when riding it with helmet and padding as a grown adult. Depends on how much of a thick skin you have, because people will make comments.

For electric scooters that can go well above 20mph, it probably is not worth the risk to try to look badass, but for slower electric scooters around 10-15 mph range, getting into accidents is less likely as long as you follow some common sense and don’t drive recklessly.

Frame Structure and Stability

Sensitivity & Stability

This is one of the big weaknesses with electric scooters. Compared with bikes and motorcycles, the wheels are a lot smaller and the handles are short, thus making it much more sensitive to any change in direction.

For smaller and portable electric scooter with small wheels you are more likely to face stability issues. If you prefer stability and a smoother ride, it’s recommended to get bigger scooters.

Frame Integrity

Make sure to inspect the frame structure from time to time and have proper maintenance. A loose screw that holds together the neck, when fails, will be quite dangerous, so make sure the neck is always properly tightened and secure.

The Breaks

Depending on the type of scooter you have, some have electric brakes and some have manual breaks. If have electric bakes, always check whether the wires are properly connected and that it’s not damaged. For manual breaks, you will have to tighten it from time to time and make sure.

How Fast Is Too Fast

Anything above 15mph (30kph) can be considered on the faster side. If you go above that you are more likely to sustain serious injuries if you happen to lose control or hit something. For safety reasons, optimal speeds are around ~20kp (10mph)

Should You Let Kids Ride Electric Scooters

For kids under the age of 18, it’s probably not the best idea to let them ride electric scooters, especially if the happen to be commute scooters that go at relatively higher speeds.

Most kids and teens will lack the emotional maturity needed to drive safely. Perhaps you can have them ride around the park or in the backyard for fun, but allowing them to commute is a no no.

Maintain Proper Fitness

While it may offend some people, let me just say, electric scooters are not for fat and overweight people. It does require some agility, flexibility, and quick reaction to avoid minor accidents. On more congested sidewalks and roads, weaving through people is an issue and if you are not careful you run the risk of hitting pedestrians.

Overall, if you are going to be riding electric scooters, have some common sense, be reasonably in shape, and avoid riding at high speeds and congested path.

It’s Eco-Friendly

Did you know that in the past 150 years, we have emmitted more carbon dioxide and created more pollution to the earth comparatived with all the other years since Earth’s existence? Compared with getting a car or using a car, an electric scooter does not produce any harmful emissions and can be recharged with electricity instead of using gasoline.

Doesn’t Take Much Space

Do you sometimes find it frustrating to park your car and pay that extra parking fees? Well with an electric scooter you won’t have to do any of that. You can just carry it with you wherever you go or just leave it locked along the sidewalk. It’s stress and hassle free compared with a car. This is great especially if you happen to live in metro-politan city.

It is Portable

Depending on the scooter you get, you can sometimes even fit it inside your bag. Though the bigger the scooter, the faster it is, new designs of electric scooters have been really picking. Small electric scooters are packing a punch these days with longer battery life and speed.

No Traffic Jams

If you live in a big city, you probably know the dread a traffic jam can induce. Instead of wasting precious time, with an electric scooter you won’t have to get stuck in traffic jam and you have the advantage of navigating through terrains that cars are not allowed to.

It’s Cheap

If you are going to be buying a car, you will most likely have to spend at least 2-3 grand on a decent car, on top of that insurance, gasoline, repairs, and maintenance can really drain your finances. If you live somewhat close your work place and not commuting any more than 10 miles to your work, electric scooters can be a great replacement.

There is no extra hidden cost that is associated with electric scooters. Besides some electricity bills and repairs here and there, you will be saving a lot of money.

Final Word

Buying an electric scooter is not just for practical purposes, but also one of value and life ideals. For those of you who are minimalists and don’t necessarily enjoy much clutter in your life, electric scooters offers you the flexibility and the freedom to still remain loyal to your ideals and not succumb to the pressures of society.

I am 25 years old, but I have never owned a car, nor do I plan purchasing one under my name. The overhead costs, the maintenance, and every other hassle that comes with is not worth the time and mental drain. You can also read my product reviews on alternative ways of commuting to work and Xiaomi MIJIA M365 review (an electric scooter I own).